Blurb-Rajat, Meenakshi, Sadaaf, Amol, and Shanaya are five University students with nothing in common- who should never have met in the first place. They meet after winning a lucky draw- the prize of which was to take part in a puzzle game. Though the game was engrossing, they were unable to solve the puzzle in the stipulated time. However, this lead to the beginning of a deep friendship between them. Their friendship blossomed. But ego and misunderstanding led to an acrimonious break up. They meet again- two decades later- when Shanaya is murdered, and the other four are suspects. The four soon realize that in spite of being estranged for so many years, there were unknown ties that bound them- ties of treachery, deceit, and subterfuge. Ties that have led them to come together in circumstances that no one could have foreseen. And the game that they had left incomplete two decades back has to be played yet again – on a much bigger canvas. Now they have to trust each other, clear their names, and get to the bottom of the mystery, which threatens not only their lives and relationships, but also the fabric of democratic India. As their travels and travails continue, they discover hitherto unknown facets of the people around them, as well as their own selves. Can they succeed in resolving the puzzle this time? Or is history doomed to repeat itself? As hidden aspects of the human personality are revealed, they realize that no one is what he or she appears to be. For the world comprises of ‘Strangers With Known Faces’.

Review-

Strangers With Known Faces is one of the finest crime thriller book written by an Indian author. Gautam Datta with his book ensures bright future of Indian Literature in crime thriller genre.

Book title is interesting. It creates curiosity about the book and gives a hint about the story. Cover is it could be made more appealing and appropriate with the theme and cover.

The language used is easy to connect with and rich in vocabulary. Writing style of author is easy to follow.

Book is well edited and it is free from any grammatical errors.

The author has done a wonderful job of sketching his characters. As story flows, the characters grow and have a unique impact on the readers. The back story about the characters was very interesting and glued me to the book.

Storyline is interesting. Author has artistically raised some question about the story in the prologue which are answered at the end of the book.

The blend of intriguing characters and interesting plot. Twists and turns are given throughout the book which binds the readers with the book. The dash of thriller in the plot ensures entertainment.

Rating-

Book Title and Cover- 3/5

Language and Narration- 4/5

Characterization- 4/5

Storyline and Plot- 3.5/5

Final Rating- 4/5

All in all, Strangers With Known Faces is brilliant book which serves us one of the finest crime thriller written by an Indian author.

Blurb-

Travel books strive on cliches. And mostly it is a single man on a ‘journey of self-discovery’, phew. Well, not this one. The author along with his family decides to take a trip to the outlandish Iceland. It was a huge task, first of all, to convince his family to sideline a trip to the sandy beaches of Italy or France and linger upon the idea of a country which has active volcanoes. After a delayed nod, they set on a road trip to discover the most unusual tourist destinations in the world.

So, what sets Iceland apart, the black beaches or a crashed plane turned into a tourist spot or the city where the population of people can be counted on your fingers? Or the non-existence of mosquitoes & McDonalds. They don’t coincide but you cannot find one in Iceland. Read their journey about how the author faces his family’s indolent behaviour and how he deals with it throughout the whole trip. And also, take a glimpse of a rendition of ‘Gerua’, Gupta family style.

Review-

The Icelandic Voyage explores beauty of Iceland. Book is given with lots of pictures where author tries to bring the beautiful Iceland in front of readers. All the photographs are amazing and eye pleasing.

Content of the book is humorous and written in very simple language. Author talks so much about Iceland and Author’s experience in the Iceland. Author also talks about little but important things like travel blogs, packing, ticket booking etc. The do’s and don’ts are also mentioned in the book which I am sure will help readers if they are planning any trip.

Not many people that “Gerua” song from movie “Dilwale” was shot in Iceland. Author shares his own Gerua moments which was the most beautiful part of the book.

Also I loved the hardcover copies and glossy pages.

All in all, The Icelandic Voyage is a beautiful travel book. A must buy if you are planning a trip to Iceland.